Imo PDP Chairman, Chief. Charles Ugwuh receiving the. defectors at the event
By Favour Afunanya
No fewer than N10,000 chieftains and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and Labour Party in Imo State have defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Other party's stalwarts from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressive Party (YPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Action Alliance (AA) also left their respective parties to join Samdaddy's train.
Society Mirror gathered that the defectors who comprised the State, LGA, and Ward executive as well as other top leaders of the affected parties, unanimously endorsed the candidacy of Senator Samuel Anyanwu for the forthcoming November 11th governorship poll in the state.
Addressing the defectors at an event organized to welcome them into the party held at its State Secretariat on 98 Okigwe Road, Owerri, the PDP Governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu assured them that they will be on the winning side after the polls.
While urging the new PDP members to work assiduously for the victory of the party, Anyanwu who is fondly called Samdaddy said that his administration will conduct LGA elections within six months of assumption of office and restore the integrity and dignity of the transitional institutions.
He also pledged to rebuild the educational sector and the dilapidated infrastructure in the State.
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The State Chairman of the PDP, Engr. Charles Ugwuh hailed the decision of the thousands of people to join the party, describing it as the best decision.
Ugwuh who urged the defectors to work hard assured them of equal rights and privileges with other members of the party, without any discrimination.
Prince Marshall Okafor-Anyanwu who led the SDP contingent said that they decided to join the PDP having seen that its Governorship candidate is the most qualified for the Governorship seat.
Okafor-Anyanwu, who is the immediate past Imo State Chairman of SDP said that Samdaddy represents the best choice on account of equity, his experience and competence in governance.
Samdaddy celebrating the moment
He said that their defection into the PDP has signaled the end of SDP in the State.
“We have 7,335 executive members. When you add other members, our number should be over 150,000. So this is the perpetual death and burial of SDP in Imo State.” he said.
Former YPP State Chairman Chief Victor Diala who spoke on behalf of his group stated that their decision to defect to PDP was informed by their desire for a better Imo State.
He said that Samdaddy and his running-mate Jones Onyereri have proven to have the confidence of the masses, having been elected into various positions of trust in the past.
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While Hon. Charles Okuchie led members of APGA, Hon Alvan Opara, a former State Publicity Secretary led members of the Labour Party. The All Progressive Congress and Action Alliance were led by former State Executive members, Hon Iwuamadi Chika and Augustine Echebiri respectively.
The highlights of the event were the destruction and burning of party cards and flags by the former YPP, SDP, LP, APGA and AA members and the raising of the PDP flag.
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